Key Points
\nThere is an increasing demand for closed-concept homes for privacy and defined spaces.Open-concept floor plans remain popular for those who appreciate airy, connected spaces.Floor plan preferences vary greatly based on lifestyle and personal needs.<\/p>\n
Home design is seeing a surprising trend: a movement away from open concept layouts toward more defined, separate rooms. This shift reflects a desire for privacy and tailored spaces that serve specific purposes. Designers are exploring whether this trend is a temporary phase or a lasting change.\n<\/p>\n
Meet the Expert<\/p>\n
Emily LaMarque<\/a>\u00a0is the founder and principal of Emily LaMarque Design Studio. Are Open Concept Floor Plans Going Out of Style? <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n 10’000 Hours \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n Designers agree that while open concept floors plans<\/a> aren’t being fully being replaced, there is an increased demand for closed-concept homes with well-defined spaces.\n<\/p>\n “During the pandemic, so many people transitioned to working and learning from home and needing individualized spaces,” says interior designer Emily LaMarque. “As a result, homes with versatile spaces that provide privacy and opportunities for quiet became increasingly desirable, and that need really hasn\u2019t decreased.”\n<\/p>\n However, LaMarque notes that there’s still a desire for open-concept great rooms and indoor-outdoor spaces, especially for those who live in mild climates or entertain often.\n<\/p>\n “It’s so specific to how people like to live and feel in their homes,” explains interior designer Louis Duncan-He. “I do think there is a slight shift right now to floor plans that allow a little more privacy, where you or a family member can find little moments of solitude. But the open, airy floor plan, whether for a home or loft, will always be in the conversation.”\n<\/p>\n Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter<\/a> for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!\n<\/p>\n The Drawbacks of an Open Concept Floor Plan <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n The Spruce \/ Alyssa Vela<\/p>\n It can be tricky to lay out furnishings: Since there aren’t pre-separated areas, you have to create makeshift rooms<\/a> or zones within the space. “This might involve some clever plays with area rugs, or having a bookshelf or partition installed on the back of a sofa to create a sense of division,” says Duncan-He. Tip<\/p>\n There are also drawbacks to closed concept floor plans, which you should keep in mind depending on your household.<\/p>\n “[They] spread everyone out, fostering isolation rather than gathering in the home, which can be especially concerning with kids and screens these days,” LaMarque says.<\/p>\n The Benefits of a Closed Concept Floor Plan <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n Twelve 15 Design Studio<\/a><\/p>\n Whole open floor plans offer a host of benefits\u2014inviting people to gather together, creating an airy feel, and bringing in more natural light\u2014there is a reason closed concept floor plans are in. Here are some of their benefits:<\/p>\n You can play around with design styles: Having separate spaces means that each room can feel like its own portal. “[They] provide an ample canvas for different design materials and selections,” says LaMarque. “Often, homes with closed floor plans provide more opportunities for architectural details such as moldings, woodwork, and decorative hardware that provide a timeless and classic aesthetic throughout.” How to Make an Open Concept Floor Plan Feel Timeless <\/p>\n Credit: <\/p>\n Emily Henderson Design<\/a> \/ Photo by Sara Liggoria-Tramp<\/p>\n Not sold on closed concept spaces? You can still make open plan concepts work by following these guidelines:\n<\/p>\n Add architectural details: Duncan-He suggests utilizing crown molding<\/a> or beams. “[This ensures] you are giving the space a sense of soul and not just relying on decor,” he says.
\nLouis Duncan-He<\/a>\u00a0is the president and creative director of Louis Duncan-He Designs.<\/p>\n
\nThey can feel impersonal: Because rooms are large and open, they can lack intimacy and privacy. “While the volume of the room might technically be larger, open floor plans can feel constraining because there is no other space to escape from everyone else, and these open spaces don\u2019t often have a cozy feeling that some people desire,” LaMarque says.
\nClutter is on display: This is a pro and a con\u2014but it’s certainly harder to contain clutter<\/a> in open spaces. “You can\u2019t just shut the door, quiet the noise, and hide the mess,” notes LaMarque.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nThey blend personality and practicality: “Homes with closed-style floor plans<\/a> that have more walls, rooms, and smaller spaces often feel more charming, cozy, multifunctional, and intimate,” LaMarque says.
\nThere’s opportunity for specialized spaces: Designated areas don’t just allow everyone to spread out independently. “Clients might want a room that functions as a den, a library, and a home gym,” says LaMarque. “The additional walls, doors, and pass-throughs of closed-style floor plans offer this flexibility.”<\/p>\n
\nFocus on unique wall treatments: LaMarque likes using ones that provide texture and depth, like Venetian plaster treatments or wood paneling such as shiplap or wainscoting.
\nDon\u2019t forget the ceiling: The ceiling acts as an expansive fifth wall in open concept spaces. “Create architectural and visual interest [with] soffits, coffers, and cove lighting,” LaMarque recommends.
\nIntegrate time-tested materials: “Oak flooring, painted cabinetry, marble tile and stone, and decorative hardware throughout [can] soften large open spaces,” LaMarque says.
\nLight it up: Make sure there’s decorative lighting<\/a> at eye level\u2014along with feature lighting. “Recessed can lighting in the ceiling is functional and great task lighting, but floor lamps, pendants, and sconces create warmth and coziness within the space,” LaMarque notes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Key Points There is an increasing demand for closed-concept homes for privacy and defined spaces.Open-concept floor plans remain…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":207828,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[307,304,305,306,308,93,61,60],"class_list":{"0":"post-207827","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-arts-and-design","10":"tag-artsanddesign","11":"tag-artsdesign","12":"tag-design","13":"tag-entertainment","14":"tag-ie","15":"tag-ireland"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/207827","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=207827"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/207827\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/207828"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=207827"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=207827"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=207827"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}